Chelsea to hire Zinedine Zidane following Real Madrid departure

Chelsea will not pursue Maurizio Sarri any further according to reports from Stamford Bridge on Friday afternoon. Instead the club will now turn its attention to former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane.

Why is the Sarri deal off?

Although it was speculated that Sarri would assume the Chelsea position any day now, the club has grown worried over the manager’s previous behaviour. Due to some of Sarri’s past actions, Chelsea have decided Sarri is right for the club.

There is also an issue of a release clause Sarri had in his Napoli contract. Despite leaving the post in May following the Serie A season, the Blues are still expected to pay £7 million to Napoli.

While reports continue to rage over Chelsea wanting to part ways with manager Antonio Conte, the Italian is still in the job currently. However, Chelsea’s transfer dealings will be handled by the executive members of the club until a manager is found.

Zinedine Zidane to Stamford Bridge

Zindine Zidane’s unexpected departure from Real Madrid has prompted Chelsea to explore the Frenchman as a possible manager. It is believed Zidane will take a year off to recharge his batteries. However, Chelsea will attempt to persuade the three-time Champions League winner to take the reins of the club.

Zidane stepped down from the Madrid manager’s position just five days after winning the Champions League. It had been speculated he could be removed as coach as club president Florentino Perez was unhappy with Real Madrid’s La Liga performance.

After leaving Madrid on Thursday, Zidane stated: “I’m not going to coach another team right now. I’m not looking for another team.”

Will Zidane takeover Chelsea?

It is unlikely Chelsea will be successful in their approach for Zidane. The manager has just come off of three roller coaster seasons as Madrid boss. He wants to have some downtime before getting back into management. Zidane has already had his dream job in coaching, so it is unlikely he will jump back into management until he is happy with his destination.